d metso slurry pumps

What Are Slurry Pumps? How They Work & Where to Use Them?

So, What Exactly is Slurry Pump?

Imagine a slurry pump as a heavy-duty version of your regular pump. While your average pump is designed only to pump water, it’s constructed to deal with liquid that contains solids—gravel and sand, to industrial waste and ore.

That implies the pump’s internal components are heavier-duty, frequently reinforced with heavy grade parts to withstand abrasion, corrosion, and constant wear.

How Does a Slurry Pump Work?

There is a revolving impeller within the pump that generates centrifugal force.

The force propels the slurry out towards the volute or casing.

With pressure building, the slurry propels out of the pump and is delivered down the discharge line.

It is simple in theory, but there is sophistication when dealing with solids. We at Mackwell employ precision machined impellers, rugged shafts, and exceedingly durable material.

Types of Slurry Pumps (and When to Use Them)

Best suited for conveying high volumes of slurry with medium to high solid concentration.

Used in pits, ponds, or where the pump is submerged.

Suitable for long pipeline transportation or industrial plants.

Best suited for sumps or tanks with limited installation space.

Where Are Slurry Pumps Commonly Used?

Mining: Pumping tailings, ore slurry, and mineral concentrates.

Construction: Pumping wet concrete and drilling mud.

Dredging: Pumping sediment from river or lake bottoms.

Power Plants: Pumping ash slurry and coal washing discharge.

Wastewater Treatment: Pumping sludge and other heavy concoctions.

A slurry pump would likely be the right choice if your application involves pumping something thicker than water.

Key Advantages of Using Mackwell Slurry Pumps

Rubber, polyurethane and abrasion-resistant steel to handle abrasive solids.

Designed to waste less energy during heavy use.

Based on your sector, various seals, liners, and impellers are offered.

Strong design = less maintenance downtime.

Rely on by leading mining, infrastructure and utility organizations.

Difference Between a Slurry Pump and a Water Pump

Water Pumps are made for clean liquids.

Slurry Pumps are made for abrasive, solid-laden mixtures.

Trying to use a water pump for slurry will likely ruin it—and fast. Slurry pumps have thicker casings, bigger clearances, and impellers designed to take a beating. They’re built to survive where water pumps would break down in hours.

How Far Can You Pump Slurry?

With the right setup and pump size, slurries can be moved hundreds of meters, sometimes even kilometres. Factors like particle size, pipe diameter, elevation, and pressure losses all come into play.

Before recommending a pump, we run all these calculations for you, so you never have to guess.

What’s the Typical Speed of a Slurry Pump?

Most slurry pumps operate between 600 and 1800 RPM, depending on:

Pump size

Motor power

Slurry viscosity

Solids content

At Mackwell, we fine-tune this based on your application so you can balance speed and durability perfectly.